Leader


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Book reviews for "Leader" sorted by average review score:

Culture Clash: Managing the Global High-Performance Team (The Global Leader Series)
Published in Paperback by SelectBooks (July, 2003)
Author: Thomas D. Zweifel
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Culture and communication
In my work as a doctor and hospital manager, I use both books 'Communicate or Die' and 'Culture Clash' in my interactions with colleagues. (Being a radiologist in nuclear medicine, I have only 5 minutes per patient.) In many hospitals, a highly hierarchical structure often prohibits a culture of constructive criticism among colleagues. But I was able to use the tools and tips from both books very well -- in particular for my work as a team-leader of mostly younger colleagues, focused on producing specific research results. For example, I learned to listen between the lines, check my own assumptions, and save weeks of otherwise wasted research -- and time is money. Both books emphasize the importance of communication for doing business. But anyone who must communicate for results will improve communication abilities when learning these lessons. The importance of listening instead of speaking and the use of active listening as a tool for getting results are clearly outlined. Both books are written by someone who learned his lessons by trial and error. Thomas D. Zweifel does not get lost in communication theories and does not use scientific terminology. He gives real-life examples for situations where communication failed. The books also provide good examples for how to reveal and solve communication problems. The lessons, labs, and the 'dos and taboos' give good input for daily exercise as long as the reader has the will to improve his or her communication abilities.
-- Gerhard Goerres, MD, Division of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich

A great book, a useful tool.
I really found this book is doing a excellent job in combing the subtle threads of cultural differences hence the clashes in nowsdays international settings. What I am more deeply impressed is that the book not only provides a tool for people in business, political sector in understanding the generally underestimated factor of culture clash in real world communication, but how to successfully manage the various problems arousing from this issue as well. Plus, the language itself in the book is amazingly vivid.

a great and powerful book!
by reading this book, you'll eventually understand, why so many international organizations collapse and more important you'll discover day to day tools which will enable you to improve your understanding and skills as international leaders and global citizen.
Whatever your purpose is (professional : to develop your business or to manage teams all around the world), personal...) and if you're interested or involved in cultural issues in international environment, i strongly recommend to you this book, writen in a clear, relevant and even funny style!


Follow My Leader
Published in Paperback by Puffin (December, 1994)
Authors: James B. Garfield and Robert Greiner
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What a joy to introduce my kids to this wonderful book!
I'm 38 years old, and Follow My Leader was one of my favorite books when I was about 10 or 11 years old. I was so excited to discover that it's still in print. I just finished reading it to my three boys, ages 11, 9, and 6, and they loved it, too! "One more chapter, Mom!" they begged. I was tickled to see them trying the things I used to try after reading about Jimmy's adaptation to being blind: eating with eyes closed, walking around the house trying not to bump into furniture, trying to find the "cushion of air" near the wall.

My oldest son is a Boy Scout and the same age as Jimmy, so he was particularly touched by the story. Some of the language is a little dated (swell and keen, a boy with a handkerchief, a girl wearing an apron) but my boys easily overlooked that in favor of a story they couldn't wait to hear.

I give this story as many stars as it's possible to give!

Timeless and memorable!
My 6th grade teacher read this book to my class 25 years ago. It was a class favorite!

What stands out most vividly is a complete lack of a whiny, self-pitying tone, while still dealing honestly with the anger and bitterness that Jimmy at first feels upon going blind. The book also honestly captures the tension between Jimmy and Mike, the boy who threw the firecraker at Jimmy (not on purpose), and how the strain between them is eventually resolved.

The book is also a fascinating look at the world of the blind, and of guide dogs. I've never forgotten the scenes of Jimmy at the school for the blind before he gets his dog. Even eating can be tricky; the teachers use clock face references so the blind students know where the food is (e.g. meat is at 3:00, the peas are at 6:00, and the glass of water is at 10:00).

Excellent...Inspiring
I read this book for the first time when I was about 8 years old (I'm 34 now). I can't say how happy I was when I found a copy in a local used book store. I bought it, took it home and took a walk down memory lane. This story was and still is so inspiring. It shows the undefeatable spirit of a young boy whose life changed so dramatically. This story has taught so many generations about love, faith, friendship, determination and a will to go on. Should I have children one day, they will be reading this book. It taught me a lot when I was growing up and I believe it will continue to do so.


Ruthless Execution: What Business Leaders Do When Their Companies Hit the Wall
Published in Hardcover by Financial Times Prentice Hall (10 July, 2003)
Author: Amir Hartman
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Sound Advice for ChallengingTimes
In today's world, constant change is the status quo. Companies are "hitting the wall" right and left amidst the headwinds of these turbulent times. In such times, leadership is the key to thriving. And rutheless execution is how the great leaders roll up their sleaves and get the job done. In his book, "Ruthless Execution", Amir Hartman cuts through the fog and gets to what really matters. He offers sound advice for how to both recognize that you're business is in trouble, and what to do about it. His book is filled with compelling interviews with great business leaders that have demonstrated an ability to lead change. And having worked directly with one of these great leaders, Larry Bossidy, during very difficult economic times, I can definitely concur with Mr. Hartman's conclusions and recomendations. It's worth the read!

Are you Ruthless? A must read for all leaders!
Are you Ruthless? A must read for all business leaders!

This could not have come at a better time. Hartman clearly articulates the methods and strategies on how to recover after hitting performance walls. Ruthless Execution dives into this described methodology within each chapter developing itself into a comprehensive workplan for success.

As a former military officer, the major obstacles that I faced when entering the corporate world were the lack of focus, discipline and accountability within the corporate framework or organization. I applaud Hartman's approach to tackling these problems head on. As he states, leaders must be proactive, focused, disciplined and held personally accountable for all respective successes and/or failures.

These are just a few points that I will file into my business tool kit. Additional points to file will include Ruthless Execution Principles (leadership, governance, and critical capabilities), The Ruthless Execution Checklist, Case Studies and Interviews with some of the top business leaders (Jack Welch, John Chambers, and Lou Gerstner), and the Performance Portfolio Framework.

Special Note: For all military officers exiting the military, this is a must read.

Outstanding!

Practical and Insightful, a Must for Business Execs
Too often business books fall into one of two categories: 1) the kind that provides practical information but is lacking any kind of new insight, or, 2) the kind that's packed with new ideas but is painfully short on actionable info you can really put to use.

Ruthless Execution by Amir Hartman is that rarest of business books that delivers the best of both worlds: It's loaded with new ideas and fresh insights, yet throughout the author firmly grounds his working philosophy in practical tools and proven methodologies for getting the job done.

Let's face it: Even the best-managed companies hit a wall at some point. Ruthless Execution spells out a proven framework for swiftly analyzing your strategic options in a rigorous and thorough manner. As any veteran of the business world knows, strategic recalibration is a challenge that's easier said than done. This book explains how it's done.

Great stuff. Hugely helpful to any company that needs to take a good, hard analytical look at which initiatives they should nurture, and which they should kill in order to get back on track.


Addiction and Grace/Leader's Guide
Published in Paperback by HarperCollins (paper) (March, 1992)
Author: Gerald G. May
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Healing the Unconscious
I got the book as a reference from one of Keating's book. It is fantastic!! I recommend that all who face any disturbing addiction to read this book and indeed if you think you don't, read it and you will be surprised what you are addicted to. May shows the neurological aspect of addictions and very important he discusses the travials that occur during recovery. How your body adapts and readapts to habits and substances.

He says the root of the problem is in the psycho-toxins in our sub-conscious and recommends grace and contemplative prayer as a remedy. Where we let go of trying to solve it ourselves and allow God to heal us, to heal from the root. Here is where keating's book is useful for keating then expoundes on Mays recommended contemplative prayer namely, the prayer of silence of letting go.

The healing takes time and if you are looking for a quick fix, then forget this but if you want a root solution then pick this up. May says the beginning of a solution is when you say "I have a problem, I need help", God the healer, awaits to help you. May shows how to make an appointment, keating shows how to have a session and take the anti-bodies.

God helps us win victory over any addiction
I bought this book because it was recommended in The Sacred Romance. I have to say that Addiction & Grace is a fantastic book. Addictions (attachments) prevent us from experience the full glory of God in our lives. This book helped me realize how in trying to get victory over my weight and food, I was merely replacing one addiction (food) with another (discipline--food diaries, measuring food, controlling exposure to food). God can only help me when I get to a place where I am still, no longer able or willing to help myself conquer the addiction. I need to be comfortable in the anxiety that arises when God removes the addiction because it is in that void that I will meet God. I need to feel safe in risky situations (parties, potlucks) because that is when I will experience God's grace most.

This book is highly readable (but read it with an underliner). Every chapter is thought provoking, but the last few chapters on spirituality are the most valuable.

Please do yourself a favor and buy this book. It will get you on the path to understanding the truth and gaining freedom from addictions. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. -- John 8:32"

Breakthrough insights and a real help to recovery
I read this book (skipping the chapter on the biology of addiction and the brain) and was blown away. What simple, profound, essential insights May offers here. With the help of God's grace, using what May teaches, I was gifted with six straight days free of my food addiction for the first time in years - just eating like a normal person, eating what I wanted most when I felt physically hungry and stopping when I was full. It was a beautiful time of freedom and I want more. I know with the help of His grace many more such days are ahead of me. Thanks again and again, Dr. May - and thank you Lord for such a gift.


Eating the Big Fish : How Challenger Brands Can Compete Against Brand Leaders
Published in Hardcover by John Wiley & Sons (13 January, 1999)
Author: Adam Morgan
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Insightful!
Author Adam Morgan went hunting for the second most successful brands. He sought commonalities among them to develop guidelines for those who are challenging the number one brands in their fields. In other words, if you are coming into the battle in the number two slot, here's your strategy for winning the marketing wars. Morgan is very adept at breaking things down into precise action steps. Witty and engaging, he offers a detailed analysis of the current consumer attitude about brands plus strategies you can use to market your second or third rank brand. We recommend this compilation of competitive ideas to those who want to boost their "Challenger" brands.

"Challenges" the conventional wisdom
I'm telling all my clients about this book. If you agree with the following, you'll like it too. "..marketing is not a science but informed judgement...the cover of the book should offer a photograph of Herb Kelleher, dressed as his occasional business alter ego, Elvis Presley, with the title 'Does This Man Look Like a Scientist?'"

Great exercises to get you thinking, no matter if your brand is a leader or an also ran. e.g."Grove" named for Andy Grove- "Fire ourselves- leave the building and come back in as an entirely new team. What's one thing you would stop doing and one thing you would do instead?" Morgan punches holes in conventional wisdom- mission statements, focus groups, etc. A favorite quote: "The key failure, then, for any company attempting to effect a gear change in its own performance is not the ability to define its intention, but the inability to translate intention into behavior."

Great book, but skim the latter chapters
I am new to marketing and I wanted a good book on marketing. This one delivers, particularly for challenger brands something that is becomming more apparent in eCommerce. While the book does not talk about eCommerce many of the concepts and thoughts apply. Overall worth reading to learn about branding and marketing.


PLATOON LEADER
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Bantam (01 March, 1986)
Author: James R. McDonough
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I LITERALLY NEVER PUT IT DOWN!!!
Well I found a book that ranks with Macdonalds' Company Commander, the best military memoir ever. Platoon leader is an unbelievable glimpse into the life of a typical platoon leader sent into the bush of Vietnam. After reading this book it is obvious why the Army chose it as required reading for officer candidate school. Macdonough describes clearly and with brutal honesty his tour as a young LT sent in the fight with no idea what to do. His platoon was on an isolated outpost and has to not only spend the days patrolling but endures the nights of fierce enemy attacks. Here it is described in such a flowing exciting manner that I finished it in one sitting. This is no 'glory of war' type memoir, but a plain portrayal of the senselessness and viciousness of war. Truly one of the classic military memoirs ever written!

A very different kind of war story.
Lieutenant Colonel James McDonough has written a truly different memoir of his experiences in Vietnam. I believe that this is because McDonough is a different type of leader and individual. His account of his personal experience in Vietnam is not glorified or gory, it is a more emotional recollection of the things that he did, good and bad, while serving as platoon leader in Vietnam. This book is a must for young military officers as well as those considering military service. There is no bravado in this book, because there is nothing fantastic about killing another man, or trying to help civilians who have been needlessly attacked. The book has a very real quality to it, which I found at different times both unsettling and moving. McDonough is not a killer, he is a soldier and an officer. While he may often silently question the purpose of the things he did or was ordered to do in Vietnam, he never hesitated in carrying out his responsibilities as platoon leader. Although he may have been afraid, he was still responsible for 25 other men who were even more afraid than he was. Overall, one of the best memoirs I have ever read.

Candid and riveting memoir
Lt. McDonough writes of his experiences in Viet Nam in such straight forward language with little embellishment and an honest and humble attitude. This is one of the best written depictions of combat I've ever read. His experiences commanding a platoon in the heart of VC country surpass anything that has been portrayed by Hollywood in terms of the difficulty of the mission and the horror of day to day survival in a combat situation. This is one gritty and tough account of day to day life in the Viet Nam war that should be widely read. Ranks right up there with Philp Caputo ,Michael Herr, Tim O'Brien and Tobias Wolff as a contribution to the definitive written record of grunt life in the war.


Leading Out Loud: The Authentic Speaker, the Credible Leader (Jossey-Bass Management Series)
Published in Hardcover by Jossey-Bass (July, 1995)
Author: Terry Pearce
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Insightful!
Business coach Terry Pearce teaches you how to put the personal perspective back into your professional communications. With a credible and authoritative voice, he explains how authentic human connection is missing from today's communications, even though people crave it, especially as they evaluate who they trust to lead them through rapid change. He maintains that leaders who communicate authentically and passionately will inspire loyalty and make their mark. While Pearce is clearly convinced about the importance of inspiring your constituents, the pace of his book won't exactly move your spirit. He walks you slowly and carefully through the discipline he uses to help clients rediscover their authentic voices and craft messages that resonate. His corporate and political client list is quite select, but we find his communication strategies relevant for anyone who is leading change - whether you are building a small community or a large company.

A Voice in the Wilderness
As a professional communication consultant, and former White House speechwriter, I've read perhaps a baker's dozen books on executive communication. It's a faceted field, and some aspects are well-represented in the selection of books available.

But to my mind none has addressed the central need for (and subtle complexities of accessing) truth and heart in business rhetoric with simple clarity -- until this little volume appeared. It's been around awhile and is still a gem.

Terry Pearce teaches communication at UC Berkeley's business school (with side trips to the London School of Business and various corporate gigs), and he's spent time in the trenches at IBM. Perhaps he's best known for his work with Schwab CEO and co-chairman Dave Pottruck (see "Clicks & Mortar," a book they co-wrote). His graceful braiding of theory and practice, and clean style brimming with examples, make this a fluid read that sticks in the mind.

Pearce digs beyond style into substance, and even deeper, into conviction. As a writer who routinely interviews CEOs in hopes of helping them frame their thoughts, I daily encounter this core question: How do you coax and excavate substance from your client, and frame it with authenticity? Pearce spills the tools and techniques of how he does it. If you fret about making your speaker believable -- if you want to craft language that does more than disappear in the pool of rhetoric with scarce a ripple to show for it -- in other words, if you want to help folks communicate in a believable, sustainable way that makes a difference -- that's 'leadership communication.' And this book can help set you on the right road.

Sadly, most corporate speeches are forgettable. Maybe because most speakers are afraid to speak from the gut? If you intend to help raise the level of your own message, or your clients, this one's worth your time.

A wonderful book of wisdom for every Leader
Thank you Terry Pearce for your wonderful book of wisdom. For me, Leading Out Loud is a framework for meaningful and authentic living. It is that simple and that profound.

Terry shares his wisdom, drawn from his own experience with executives and students, and his keen observations of the world in which we live to give us a framework for addressing the important and age-old questions: "Who am I?" "What do I fundamentally care about?" "How can I express what I profoundly care about to inspire and move other people to action?"

Terry shows us that Leading Out Loud is at the very least a two step process. The first step focuses on the Leader. Me. I need to have the courage to engage in the reflection and the introspection to come from a place of authenticity and conviction before I can ever hope or aspire to lead anyone else. I need to be solidly grounded in who I am, what I believe, what I care about and why I care. This is perhaps the most difficult part, but it is also the foundation for any and all future speak and action.

Terry then shapes a very practical and useable communications framework to help me understand how I can connect with others (this is the Out Loud piece) by speaking to both their minds and their hearts - to engage the whole person, not just a part of them - to seek to inspire the whole human being. I use Terry's communications framework in my everyday conversations, especially the tough conversations - both personal and professional. It helps me to reach a much more profound level of clarity and depth in the quality of my conversations. I use the framework in my work as a coach and consultant to senior managers and executive to help them build their skills to lead and engage the people whose efforts they rely on for success. It is the most effective material and set of tools I work with. I trust it will be for you as well.


Great Leaders See the Future First: Taking Your Organization to the Top in Five Revolutionary Steps
Published in Hardcover by Dearborn Trade Publishing (June, 2000)
Author: Carolyn Corbin
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Synopsis and a final comment - Pepperdine Doctoral Student
1. Synopsis:

Corbin's foresee that by 2010 great leaders must be at what she calls level 2 leaders, and in order to operate at this level these leaders must: Orchestrate a 360 degrees worldview, Order the chaos, blend multiple organizational, engage the whole person, and ignite innovation.

Orchestrate a 360 degree worldview includes two steps:1. Gather organizational intelligence by overcoming worldwide trends that occurs during periods of opportunity (or windows) and foresee the outcome (or issues); and 2. Understand the dyna-forces (interesting concept) created by these worldwide trends that originate systematic change. These dyna-forces are: globalization, marketization, informatization and democratization.

In order to overcome chaos, level 2 leaders need to figure out the root cause of the chaos (changes in speed, changes in rules or changes in structure), be aware of the new century organization models and be prepared for the role of the 21st century leader (level 2).

Level 2 leaders need to foresee the blending of multiple organization models during the next Century, foresee the driving of the 21st Century worker and be aware of the present blending of organizations and the strategies applied to blend those organizations.

Level 2 leaders will need to engage the 21st Century worker as a whole person and not by his/her skills and ignite innovation at any cost.

Corbin foresees a hermaphrodite workplace (androgynous) where man (FINALLY) will learn soft skill (typically considered feminine) by engaging in a spiritual search.

Final Comment:

This last statement along with numerous stereotypes, sexist and deeply Christian religious remarks, casts big doubts about the seriousness of the book. What a shame!

Compelling and thought provoking
Carolyn Corbin intertwined her future predictions of the 21st Century with leader/worker development to become a viable workforce in the future she predicted. While not outside the realm of common sense, her predictions are still eerily thought-provoking.

This book outlined the five steps to becoming a leader in the 21st Century. In Step One, she discussed assessing one's own leadership effectiveness and compared that to what skills will be needed for the future. She summarized major world changes into four "dynaforces" of the 21st Century...globalization, marketization, informatization, and democratization. Step Two was order the chaos. Many futures books discuss how to adapt to change or how to go with the flow...so I was exceedingly curious what exactly she proposed to "order" this. She thoroughly explained the future factors that will lead to change and chaos, and the more we understand these factors we can pro-actively work to diffuse as many chaotic factors as possible. Step Three provided many examples of blending multiple organizational models of profit, non-profit, government, religious, higher education, and more. She shows the limitless possibilities of applying successful models from organizations that have already dealt with issues to different types of organizations that will be confronting similar issues in the future. Steps Four and Five have to do with the individual-engaging employees on all levels of their person and providing a workforce that fosters their innovation.

She illuminates the skills we can develop today to prepare for tomorrow. Whether intentional or not, her description of the future makes one re-examine everything you think about current leadership training and how it does not adequately prepare employees for what is to come.

Read this book or be obsolete by 2010
Carolyn Corbin's: Great Leaders see the Future First: Taking Your Organization to the Top in Five Revolutionary Steps, balances practical how-tos (in just about every paragraph) with great stories. Her bottom line: if you don't change from being what she calls a Level 1 leader (reactionary, always busy, focus on gathering & analyzing information, sacrifice innovation to pursue continuous improvement) you will be obsolete by 2010! To survive you must be moving to Corbin's Level 2 (strategizing, focusing on the whole person, leading at warp speed, improve through innovation).

Most of the book covers a quick way for moving from a level 1 to a level 2 leader by applying the following 5 steps:

1) Orchestrate a 360 degree worldview (use strategies to be "tossed" high in the air to see 5, 10, 25 years into the future)

2) Order the chaos (by controlling it)

3) Use a blend multiple organizational models (like for-profits, nonprofits, universities, military, religious institutions - because one will not longer do)

4) Engage the whole person (meet employee's physical and spiritual needs like day care, elder care, and providing work-place Chaplains)

5) Ignite innovation (via creativity, remove inhibitors, add humor)

You might think that 214 pages would go fast. But the book had an uncanny ability of slowing me down as I focused on my own style of leadership, my own organization's shortcomings. Every page is packed with something to move the reader from Level 1 to Level 2. For example, in the chapter 6 on "The Role of the 21st Century Leader" ideas included crafting an organizational mission statement in 10 (5 is preferable) key words, really listen to workers and act on their requests, understand other cultures, and move from a 20th century leader to a 21st century leader by changing from being:

boss --> coach
authoritarian --> participatory
tough --> tough and tender
informs --> listens
status from position --> status from working harder

Late in the book Corbin asks the reader to spend time going through two self-assessment exercise: 1) exploring your soul and 2) assessing your preferences and core competencies. My only critique of the work is the lack of more of these kinds of reflective exercises earlier in the book.

Although Great Leaders may not be as holistic as Steven Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People which deals more deeply with all aspects of one's personal, business and professional life, I do recommend it for any leader who influences the future of their organization. I recommended it to two of our Human Resources personnel after they gave a "How to Managing Our Institution's Way" seminar.

Dave Harmeyer
Pepperdine University doctoral student (Ed.D. Educational Technology)


The Midwife's Song
Published in Paperback by Karmichael Pr (October, 2000)
Author: Brenda Ray
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The Bible Comes Alive
I could not put this book down! I have an interest in childbirth and midwifery, and just happened to pass by this book. Am I glad I picked it up! This book makes the biblical account of Moses' birth really come alive! The Hebrew midives' story was so compelling. The characters were so real -- I cried through one entire chapter! When I'm reading the Bible, sometimes I don't really think about the details of what actually transpired, and it can be hard to relate to. But this book made me realize what heroic women those Hebrew midwives truly were. I definitely want to read more!

A Tale of courage and justice hard won.
Puah is a Hebrew midwife in the Land of Egypt where Pharaoh rules like a god. He has proclaimed that all male Hebrew babies are to be slain at birth. Puah is an instrument of the one true God and cannot follow such a command. The story goes on to tell of the coming of Moses in the midst of this strife.

This is a book with more than the story of Moses; it is a love story that will reach the very depths of your heart. The author, who is also a midwife, had me in the palm of her hands by the second chapter. Her characters were so real, and their emotions so strong, I am still moved by them now. This is a wonderful story that is fast moving and written with a flow that makes the pages fly by. If you enjoy this book, another similar book of equal quality is QUEENMAKER by India Edgehill. Kelsana 1/26/02

Engaging from the first page
A wonderfully written and fascinating tale of the midwives Puah and Shiphrah. Brenda Ray brought the characters to life unfolding a story filled with romance, inspiration and gripping drama. A very enjoyable book; I was a bit sad for it to end. I found The Midwife's Song to be a more compelling read than The Red Tent.


The Articulate Executive: Learn to Look, Act, and Sound Like a Leader
Published in Paperback by McGraw-Hill Trade (01 March, 1997)
Author: Granville N. Toogood
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Learning How to Speak in Public
Book Review: Granville N. Toogood's, The Articulate Executive

Jack Llewelyn, who was the CEO of Ocean Spray Cranberries, described Granville N. Toogood's The Articulate Executive (1995), as a "... required reading for every board room, class room, and living room in the country." When reading Toogood's book reviews, I was astonished that a book about public speaking could be so highly touted. Haven taken public speaking courses before, I wondered if The Articulate Executive could possibly "cure" my fear of public speaking. After reading the book's introduction, I realized that I was not the only one who fears a public audience. Not only developing college students, like myself, but also well established CEO's, corporate managers, and important individuals from all walks of life share in the popular fear of speaking in public. "Polls tell us that public speaking for some people can actually be scarier than death" (Toogood, p. 7). Therefore, I wonder, can a book help reduce an individual's fear of public speaking and aid in his or her quest to become a better public speaker? In this book Granville Toogood helps the reader become a more effective communicator and overall the book educates the reader about the steps each individual should take to present a good presentation.
In today's business world, public speaking can be a key to success. The author describes how most people would prefer having a root canal rather than speaking in public. Toogood says, "that people who view public speaking as a bad thing...are amazed to find that public speaking can actually be fun-and well worth the time and effort" (Toogood p. 3). The author describes how public speaking is to be viewed as an opportunity rather than an unpleasant and tedious job that has to be done. Furthermore, Toogood emphases in the first chapter of The Articulate Executive that an advantage in any business relationship will usually go to the "articulate, well-organized, and thoughtful" business player (p. 7). Consequently, "seizing opportunities" is the first concept that Toogood presents as a potential key to business success.
The author also talks about controlling the presentation. Toogood states "The presentation should always be an opportunity rather than an obstacle or chore. When you are in command of your presentation, you come across as a leader" (Toogood, p. 167). The author introduces the reader to the POWER formula. Which is essential to follow; this formula ensures that the speaker has the groundwork of a good presentation. The presenter should also give the speech the way he or she speaks, making the presentation conversational and easy to follow for the audience. The author also introduces us to the "18-minute Wall", i.e., the audience will only be able to pay attention for 18 minutes. It is also important to remember the "18-minute Wall" when organizing the presentation to meet the timing requirements. There is also the "8-second rule", this rule will help the speaker come up with the theme of the presentation. This rule will also help the presenter remove any unnecessary clichés and come across as being straightforward. After the presenter has the making for a great presentation, it is essential to make good use of body language and to dress appropriate for the occasion. Finally, the correct use of visual aids is essential for any presentation, and they should not dominate the presentation. In my opinion, Toogood has given me the correct set of guidelines to follow, and his advice will help his readers to come across as leaders and become better public speakers.

A Great Choice for Help Speaking
Granville Toogood's "The Articulate Executive" is a quite excellent introduction to public speaking in a variety of forms. Toogood is an accomplished communications consultant and has distilled his advice into a very readable book that will help almost anyone improve not just their communication style, but also their impact.

Toogood covers all the bases, from basic public speaking, to presentation, to handling the media. His POWER formula offers a simplified approach to effective speaking that's approachable by all of us. He offers real-world advice - such as time your speeches to be no longer than 18 minutes - that is often missing from other books.

Most importantly, his book is easily readable. It features short chapters with a lot of punch. And although some chapters build on contents of previous ones, it's easy to read the book a chapter at a time, or even find just the chapter the deals with the topic you need. While written for the beginning communicator, most non-professional speakers will find a lot of value in this work. It was an excellent book, and I highly recommend it.

Business Speechcraft Made Easy
The Articulate Executive is the best reference I've seen on the art of public speaking. I use this text as the principal reference for a corporate university course called "Business Speechcraft." Many fellow Toastmasters have referred this book to me. You can enthusiastically place my name along side theirs as a fan of Mr. Toogood. His advise for speakers regarding the use of view-graphs and overheads is right on the mark. His technique for organizing a speech ... the POWER formula ... will help your presentations successfully blast off and land in the collective memories of your audience. This is a "must read" book and a "best value purchase" for anyone who wants to become a leader in their field.


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